This study analyzes the feasibility of MHD propulsion for marine vessels. A theoretical analysis is developed and analytical results are obtained for two vehicle geometries. The first (class 1) is for small vehicles with sizes approximating that of torpedos, remotely operated vehicles (ROV), and underwater autonomous vehicles (UAV). The second geometry (class 2) corresponds to larger submersibles such as submarines. Vehicle speed, thrust, and efficiency are analyzed as a function of magnetic field strength and channel velocity. Results indicate that thruster performance measures as the square of an increasing magnetic field strength and linearly with increasing conductivity. The analytical results show that the MHD thruster tends to favor larger geometries and channel lengths, such as those applicable to class 2 vehicles. Based on analytical parametric studies, the MHD thruster propelled large submersible can attain comparable velocities to that of present day submarines (20-42 knots). Additionally, the MHD thruster concept offers potentially easier maintenance because of no moving parts and thereby reduced vessel detectability. Higher speeds then attained by present submersibles may be possible due to reduced hydrodynamic drag.


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    LIN, T. F. / GILBERT, J. B. / ROY, G. D. | AIAA | 1991


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